By Guido4 (Own work http://www.hegasy.de/) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons Multiple Scelrosis (MS) is a condition of the nervous system that can have detrimental effects on various systems and functions of the body. Soft tissue therapy and other lifestyle changes can help in the management and reversal of the condition. Background Multiple sclerosis, MS for short, affects the nerves in the brain and spinal cord. It causes problems with movement, vision, and balance. Essentially it is a disease of the Central Nervous System (CNS). Nerves in the brain and the spinal cord are surrounded by a layer, called a myelin sheath. It is made up of lipids and proteins. Its function is to protect the nerve and help it transmit electrical signals between the brain and the rest of the body. Progressive damage and degeneration of this myelin sheath is termed MS. There is a sequence of events the body attacks its own myelin sheath mistaking it for a foreign threat. This autoimmune reaction leads to inflammation and breaks down of the myelin sheath. This is then followed by the body’s attempts to repair the damage, which creates scarring, also known as sclerosis. Over time the amount of scarring in the CNS increases. So, it becomes clearer how the name is derived. Multiple indicates that more than one area of the brain and spinal cord can be affected and sclerosis stands for the nerve tissue scarring that occurs. This makes it more difficult for nerve impulses from the brain to reach their target body parts and fulfil their functions effectively. Signs and Symptoms Common symptoms of MS include numbness in various parts of the body and fatigue. Which nerve pathways are damaged will determine where in the body these symptoms are. Other symptoms include problems with walking, balance and coordination. Problems with vision, dizziness, and vertigo may also be present. MS can adversely affect the function of the bladder and/or bowels and lead to sexual dysfunction. Deterioration in cognition and speech are also possible. Some people experience emotional changes, which can lead to depression. Spasticity, particularly in the legs, tremors and weakness are also among the common symptoms. Causes and pathology The medical field has not reached a conclusion about what causes MS. There are some theories suggesting a possible explanation. In general, it is not considered a genetic disease, although a predisposition can be inherited. It seems that location is an important factor as there is practically no MS near the equator. Research tries to find out whether this can be attributed to bacterial issues. Alternatively, it may be caused by insufficient sun exposure, which interferes with the natural production and function of vitamin D in the body. An alternative view suggests that MS may be linked to blood flow restriction caused by narrowing of veins inside the brain and the spinal cord. According to this theory, the brain and spine blood supply have trouble returning to the heart. This leads to tiny iron deposits inside the nerves, which can damage them and cause an autoimmune reaction. In the medical field, MS is divided into 4 categories:
Research as to the causes and treatments is still ongoing but there is no definitive cure for the moment. How soft tissue therapy can be used to treat this condition Massage and other forms of soft tissue therapy can be important and beneficial for managing MS symptoms and improving patients’ life quality. There are few clinically controlled studies and lots of practical experience demonstrating the positive overall effect of massage. A 45-minute massage session twice weekly for five weeks led to lower anxiety and less depressed moods against the control group in a clinical study. By the end of this trial, the massage group showed improved self-esteem, better body image, and enhanced social functioning. There is a lot of anecdotal evidence suggesting that soft tissue therapy can relieve symptoms such as muscle spasms and tremors. Pain reduction and improved sleep are also reported often. In order to ensure that the therapist ‘does no harm’ it is important to consider the following contraindications:
Massage and soft tissue therapy can reduce excessive muscle tone, increase local circulation and improve ROM, which can help with spasticity. The elongation and decompression of muscles may be hugely beneficial for people with MS. Better nutrition, oxygenation, and waste removal can also be accomplished for MS clients receiving massage. This will not only ease the muscle but is likely to reduce the autoimmune response and also clear the nerve pathways from muscle compressions. Overall then, this can lead to greater mobility and less stiffness for the client. Balance and coordination may also be enhanced as a result of improved muscle function. By reducing spasticity and pain for the client, their sleep quality may improve which can reduce fatigue and tiredness. Given that the muscles move more freely, there is less energy expenditure in daily life. This energy preservation is also likely to reduce fatigue. The emotional benefits of soft tissue therapy start with relaxation, proceed toward the release of feel-good hormones triggered by the human touch, and go on to deliver a healthier self-image and happier mood. A sample treatment Each client and each therapist are unique, so what is most beneficial is likely to emerge and be modified as their professional relationship evolves. In general, it is important to ensure that the client feels secure on the table and comfortable with skin to skin contact. This itself will already contribute towards a deeper relaxation. Full-body treatments tend to work very well. Hands and feet affected by spasticity may be a good starting point. As the therapist moves to larger muscle groups, light to medium pressure would be most appropriate. Tremors may occur at any time in people with MS. If this happens during a treatment, it may be most appropriate to gently place one’s arm over the affected area to facilitate relaxation rather than completely withdraw contact. If the tremors are very bad and the client starts feeling very anxious, the therapist can guide them towards a deep breathing practice to activate the parasympathetic nervous system and promote relaxation. In leg work, long gentle strokes are appropriate while avoiding the area of the knees and behind them. If there is fluid retention, lymphatic drainage movements may be very appropriate. Although one side may seem to be more affected it is important to work on both sides to ensure potential imbalances are addressed. It is also recommended to avoid the groin area as it may be more sensitive or associated with feelings of anxiety. When adjusting the client’s position, it is best to ask them to actively move their limbs instead of doing it for them in order to avoid spasmodic reactions. Particularly tight or ‘knotty’ areas, can be treated with neuromuscular techniques. Head and neck work would also be very soothing and beneficial. 10-15 minutes of head and scalp work at the end of the treatment may be very relaxing for the client. At the end, it is important to ensure that the client gets up slowly and carefully at their own pace. If the therapist has to assist the client, it is important to towel manage them accordingly. Weekly to twice weekly schedule is usually best for delivering lasting and noticeable results. Lifestyle advice and support Research and practice show that lifestyle factors play a significant role in managing MS symptoms and improving quality of life.
1 Comment
STACEY BELLIS
17/8/2020 13:25:13
I have been on WORLD HERBS CLINIC MS HERBAL FORMULA (w ww worldherbsclinic co m), the first TWO MONTHS was daily and now I am on 3 times a week. It has made a tremendous difference for me. The fatigue never gets to me again. When I do too much, I don’t feel weak anymore..
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